Facilitating Lecturer Development and Student Learning through Action Research

van der Westhuizen, C. N.

South African Journal of Higher Education, v22 n6 p1292-1303 2008

The aim of the action research project is to improve my own practice as research methodology lecturer to facilitate effective student learning to enable students to become reflective practitioners with responsibility for their own professional development through action research in their own classrooms, and to motivate the students and increase their interest in the research modules. In the theoretical section I focus on teaching research methodology, teacher professionalism and action research for pre-service teachers. The findings show that I have learnt to improve my practice as well as student learning. I also found that students have learnt to take responsibility for their own learning generally, to treat their peers with respect, and to develop a professional work ethic regarding campus and school-based work. The research is ongoing.